Maine Senate Democrats and Republicans wasted no time in choosing their leaders for the 129th Legislature.

Democrats, who on Tuesday picked up enough seats to secure the majority in the Maine Senate, selected current Democratic floor leader Troy Jackson, of Allagash as Senate president. Nate Libby of Lewiston was named majority leader and Eloise Vitelli of Arrowsic was named assistant majority leader, Maine Public's Mal Leary reported.

Democrats now fill 21 of the 35 seats in the Maine Senate.

In a statement on the Senate Democrats' website, Jackson applauded all the candidates in Tuesday's election who "ran clean, honest and fair campaigns because they know that Maine is at its best when everyone can participate and get involved."

"I've been proud of the work we've accomplished over the past two years but I know we can do better, especially now that we have the majority in the Senate," he said in the statement. "I look forward to working next session with Gov.-elect Janet Mills and Speaker Sara Gideon to make it easier for folks to live, work and raise a family in Maine. At the end of the day, Maine people don't care which party you identify with, they just want someone who is honest, believes in our state and vows to do what they say they'll do."

Senate Republicans pick their leaders

In a news release sent to Mainebiz, Senate Republicans reported that they chose Sen. Dana Dow, R-Lincoln, as their leader for the 129th Legislature. He represents District 13, owns a furniture company and is a former Maine teacher.

They also selected Sen.-elect Jeff Timberlake, R-Androscoggin, as assistant leader. Timberlake currently represents Maine House District 75 and is the owner of a family apple orchard.

"We need to get to work on reintroducing Republicans to Mainers throughout the state and getting our message out about how to move Maine's economy forward," Dow said in the release

Timberlake added: "The election is over. We now need to roll up our sleeves and get to work for the people of Maine."